THIEVES have stolen a replica ship's buoy which formed part of the gateway to a public green at a fishing hamlet.

THIEVES have stolen a replica ship's buoy which formed part of the gateway to a public green at a fishing hamlet.

The green and black-painted steel buoy was one of two which sat on plinths at the entrance to the Millennium Green at picture-postcard Felixstowe Ferry.

Police reckon it took at least two people to lift the replica down from its concrete post and onto the back of a pick-up truck or into a 4x4.

The theft of the buoy has astonished people at the tiny community - and they are hoping it can be recovered and returned.

Tony Ratcliffe, chairman of the Felixstowe Ferry Preservation Society, said: “Sadly, if something is stealable, then someone these days will steal it.

“People in the community here donated money for the items on the Millennium Green to help set it up and so the area belongs to everyone.

“We had two buoys - one port and the other starboard and the starboard one is now gone. We hope if someone is offered this buoy they will get in touch with the police so it can be returned to its rightful place.”

The green was set up in 2000 after a near 20-year battle to secure the piece of land, which for many years was earmarked for a holiday village, for public use as a place for picnics, cycle parking and informal recreation.

A police spokeswoman said the buoy was stolen between 5pm on Saturday and 8am on Sunday .

“Investigations are taking place into the theft. The buoy would probably be quite heavy and so someone may have seen someone moving it or acting suspiciously, or seen a vehicle near the site,” she said.

Anyone with information should call Felixstowe police on 01473 613500.

What's your view of the thieves? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk